Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed that he will remain at the club even if they get relegated to League One if found guilty of breaking the Premier League financial rules.
City were accused of violating the Premier League's financial fair play rules in February and are currently awaiting a ruling on the alleged 115 breaches.
Following Everton’s recent 10-point deduction for breaking financial fair play rules, there has been an increased interest in City’s case, with several stakeholders paying keen attention.
The Merseyside club were punished with a 10-point deduction for breaching FFP rules over a three-year period, while City are being investigated for allegedly breaking FFP rules between 2009 and 2018. However, the reigning Premier League and European champions have denied all the charges.
Guardiola is staying at City regardless of the outcome
Asked if there was a punishment that could be so severe that it would force him to reevaluate his position at the club, Guardiola replied, “It’s a good question. I will answer when I have the sentence.
“Wait and see it, and after the sentence has been done, we will come here and explain it. But absolutely, I will not consider my future (if) it depends (on) being here or in League One. Absolutely, he continued.
“There is more chance to stay if we are in League One than if we were in the Champions League,” he added.
Guardiola throws jibe at City's doubters
The City boss can see the clamour for their punishment but urges everyone to respect the legal process before drawing conclusions.
“You are questioning like we have been punished. And in the moment, we are innocent until guilt is proven. I know the people want it. I know; I feel it. I will wait, he said.
“When you read [what is said], then we should be relegated, relegated, relegated, yeah, of course, but nobody knows exactly. All the people who say that didn’t read the statements, [they] don’t know exactly what happened. Not even myself; I didn’t read all the breaches; I didn’t read our defence, he added.
11:34 - 24.11.2023
Manchester City vs. Liverpool: Preview, prediction and team news
The English Premier League is back with a bang this weekend after the international break with a heavyweight clash between Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.
The Citizens continue their preparation to take on Liverpool in Saturday’s early kickoff. They are currently at the top of the Premier League table, one point ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal.